This Is What Happens to Your Brain When You Have Sex

Sex can elicit a roller coaster of emotions, so much so it's oftentimes confusing what's actually going on—in both your body and your brain. Whether it's casual, committed, or somewhere in-between, you're always going to feel something. Even if it's just I want to have sex more. What's interesting, though, is those feelings can oftentimes be traced back to biology and brain chemistry. "Sex is good," says Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, a board-certified urologist and sexual health expert. "Knowing what happens to your body and brain before, during, and after sex has the potential to make sex amazing."

And it makes sense. Getting in touch with your body allows for a more comfortable and freeing experience—you'll be able to better understand how you feel, what you like, and how to ask for it. It'll open up communication between you and your partner and better serve your needs—in the long run—both emotionally and physically. I asked Brahmbhatt to break down exactly what happens, from foreplay all the way to orgasm. That, of course, is assuming women are able to have a vaginal orgasm during intercourse (studies show 75% of women never reach orgasm from intercourse alone and 10% to 15% never climax no matter the circumstances).

"You have a biological desire to have sex—it's caused by hormonal changes that happen inside your body," explains Brahmbhatt. "With men, a lot of this is driven by testosterone. In women, the processes of sexual drive are a little more complex."

MRI studies show increased activity in certain parts of your brain before sex, specifically, the limbic system (your emotional center) is the first to be triggered. "This area of your brain is responsible for memory, fear, aggression, and other emotions," says Brahmbhatt. "Since sex also causes large releases of dopamine (the pleasure chemical), it's a similar reaction to eating your favorite food, gambling, receiving a compliment, or listening to your favorite song. It becomes a sensory experience you seek out. The more reward (in this case, sex), the more dopamine and the more you continue to hunt for it. If it makes you feel good, you want more."

"In women," Brahmbhatt continues, "the vaginal walls start to lubricate (hence why foreplay is so important) and the clitoris and surrounding tissue starts to swell. Your heart starts pumping faster, causing an increase in blood pressure and breathing. Consider these changes necessary to fully enjoy sex. For some, it happens within seconds, and for others, it may take longer."

"There's an increase in blood flow triggered by a surge in nitric oxide in your body during sex—which is why you may notice parts of your body flush. This is also why your nipples become more sensitive and erect," explains Brahmbhatt.

"Depending on how rigorous the sex, your pulse, blood pressure, and breathing will continue to increase. Dopamine and epinephrine (the adrenaline hormone) continue to rise during sex, and, as you get closer to climax, the muscles throughout your body may start to tense up due to changes in your cerebellum."

Plus, sex boosts your immune system as well as confidence and creativity. A Wilkes University study showed that people having sex once or twice a week had a 30% increase in immunoglobulin A, which strengthens immunity. And, "studies have shown sex and meditation light up similar areas in the brain," says Kim Anami, a holistic sex and relationship expert and founder of Anami Alchemia. "Both sex and meditation help you to you feel at one with yourself and the world, your intuition is strengthened, you feel more creative and able to tackle problems with a relaxed mind."

"As you reach orgasm, your hypothalamus goes into overdrive, preparing your body for that feel-good orgasm," says Brahmbhatt. "There's a release of oxytocin and increases in dopamine as your vaginal walls start to contract." In fact, oxytocin wipes out cortisol, the major stress hormone. "Most of us exist with high cortisol levels," notes Anami. "Oxytocin balances this out, leaving you feeling content, relaxed, and sociable."

"You may even have a reflex in your hands and feet (which is why you may clench your hands to the bed or your partner's body)," adds Brahmbhatt. "These sensations may feel like a total loss of control, but the reality is that your body is fully in control." Anami continues, "You release serotonin and DHEA at climax. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates your mood and makes you feel peaceful, happy, and hopeful. DHEA has antidepressant effects and boosts immunity." Essentially, if you boost your orgasm quota, you will boost your mood.

"Afterward," Brahmbhatt says, "your clitoral area (in women) loses its excess blood and returns to a more relaxed state. The release will leave you feeling really good, even though technically your increase in dopamine and oxytocin drops fairly quickly."

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions. See our full health disclaimer here.